A local report in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune announcing that Prince’s feature film Purple Rain will premiere in Los Angeles (not Minneapolis) on July 25 or 27, while recapping his recent 25th birthday concert at First Avenue and the chart success of the single “When Doves Cry.” Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, June 17, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / In the Wings Title: In the wings (Purple Rain premiere details) THE S

A hometown report in the Star Tribune covering Prince’s private 25th birthday concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis, where he performed new material from his forthcoming feature film Purple Rain. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, June 8, 1984 Country: United States Section / Pages: Entertainment / Local News Title: Prince celebrates 25th birthday with a private concert THE STORY The short article notes that Prince, the Minneapolis-born rock star, celebrated his 25th bi

“In the wings” column provides one of the most detailed local updates yet on Prince’s upcoming film and soundtrack. The movie, filmed last fall in the Twin Cities, is expected in late summer. The soundtrack album drops June 18. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minneapolis Tribune) Date: Sunday, May 20, 1984 Country: United States Section: In the wings (Page 6G) Byline: Jon Bream THE STORY The article breaks the long media silence with a comprehensive overview: Plot:

Jon Bream reports that Prince’s $6 million film Purple Rain has been filmed under tight secrecy since November 5, with a strict media embargo and extras required to sign agreements not to discuss the project. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Monday, December 19, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment (Page 4C) Byline: Jon Bream, Staff Writer THE STORY The article details the highly secretive production of Purple Rain. Despite the closed sets and non

Prince and his cast and crew have finished shooting the concert scenes last week at First Avenue. The filming is expected to wrap up this week at a studio in Eden Prairie. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, December 18, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Brief news item THE STORY A concise update reporting that the major concert sequences at the iconic First Avenue club have been completed, with principal photography scheduled to conclu

Columnist Barbara Flanagan reports that Minneapolis’s own Prince is set to become a movie star, with high-fashion model Apollonia (Apollonia Van Ravenstein) rumored to co-star in Purple Rain. Filming of Prince’s first feature film is scheduled to begin that week at key ocations including First Avenue, 7th Street, and 1st Avenue North. Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Star Tribune) Date: Monday, November 21, 1983 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Barbar

A local production update in the Star Tribune detailing plans for Prince’s first feature film Purple Rain, including the start of filming on November 1, auditions for dancers and extras at First Avenue, and an anticipated April 1984 release Publication: Star Tribune Date: Sunday, October 2, 1983 Country: United States Section / Pages: In the wings / Film Title: In the wings (Purple Rain production details) THE STORY The article announces that Purple Rain, starring Prince as a

A hometown “Critic’s choice” preview in the Star Tribune promoting Morris Day and the revamped Time’s performance at First Avenue, noting their hopes of appearing as extras in Prince’s forthcoming movie Purple Rain. Publication: Star Tribune Date: Friday, September 30, 1983 Country: United States Section / Pages: Critic’s choice / Music Title: Critic’s choice/Music THE STORY The short piece invites readers to see Morris Day and the revamped Time strut their stuff at First Ave

Event: August 3 1983 – Minneapolis, MN, USA: First Avenue (Minnesota Dance Theatre benefit). Wendy Melvoin makes her live debut with Prince and the Revolution at a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre at First Avenue in Minneapolis. One-off performance. Band: Prince (vox, guitar), Bobby Z. (drums), Brown Mark (bass), Wendy Melvoin (guitar), Lisa Coleman (keyboards), Dr. Fink (keyboards). Setlist • Let’s Go Crazy • When You Were Mine • A Case Of You • Computer Blue